Armenian Assembly of America
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PRESS RELEASE

May 1, 2009
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: mzachariades@aaainc.org
Phone: (202) 393-3434

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY ADDRESSES CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE

Urges U.S. Affirmation of the Armenian Genocide

Sacramento, CA – Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) Western Region
Director Yeghig Keshishian, at the request of California State Senator
Joe Simitian (CA-11), spoke on the California State Senate floor about
the importance of U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. Keshishian
said that the Armenian Genocide is "a historical fact that has been
verified by historians, scholars, 43 U.S. states and former U.S.
President Ronald Reagan," adding, "Instead of coming to terms with this
dark period in Turkey’s past, the present leadership under President Gul
and Prime Minister Erdogan, has chosen to employ highly paid defense
contractors and foreign lobbyists to silence discussion of the genocide
on American soil – not only in the halls of Congress but also in
academic circles."

California State Senators Elaine Alquist (CA-13), Lou Correa (CA-34),
Mark Leno (CA-3) and Carol Liu (CA-21), were also forthright in their
support of U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide, taking time after
Keshishian’s remarks to commend the Assembly. "It’s tremendously
gratifying to know that the state of California understands and
acknowledges the legitimate concerns of a half million
Armenian-Americans here in the state," said Simitian. "As a member of
the California State Senate I have been privileged to raise these
issues, including the Armenian Genocide, and I will continue to do so in
the coming years," concluded Simitian.

Additionally, California Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 14, a
resolution designating April 24, 2009, as "California Day of Remembrance
for the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923", introduced by California
Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (CA-43) was also considered. In his public
remarks, Krekorian expressed a sense of urgency to pass this resolution,
calling upon the President and the U.S. Congress to follow suit. He also
spoke out in favor of the truth and "to recommit ourselves to building a
society free of bigotry and inhumanity." The bill passed with unanimous
bipartisan support, 73-0.

Following passage of the AJR 14, the members of the Armenian-American
community in attendance joined Senator Simitian, Assemblyman Krekorian,
and other dignitaries from the Armenian community, to hear from Speaker
of the California Assembly, Karen Bass, who commended the
Armenian-American community for their persistent efforts to draw
attention to a subject of importance to all of humanity.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress